Hello all, for starters I know that this is a MINI forum and a great one at that but I actaually have a question on a different car. I have been a long time lurker and have learned a lot about the MINI, from my earlier post some of you may remember me looking at a used 03 MCS (Thanks for the info). I figured since half the stuff I read here about engines and what not is beyond my understanding you may be able to help.

As described in a previous post I was going to be trading in my 97 Prelude on this 03 MCS, well on my way to work this morning I had a big problem with the Prelude. I pulled out from a light and got to normal speed 45MPH when I switched into 5th gear and my car made a really strange noise that sounded like metal on metal grinding I immediately pushed the clutch in to hear the sound wind down with the motor. At this point the car died and all the dash lights lit up like I had stalled, I coasted to a stop in an turning lane and tried to start the car. The car will turn over but I get that metal on metal noise as it turns over, I do not like this sound at all it is very scary. I checked the oil in the car after i got it into a parking spot and it is showing like 1/4 quart low (I have been 2400 miles since the last oil change).

I had notice over the last couple of days that while idling and when the car revs down after say in 3rd gear 3k RPM if I was to put in the clutch I could hear something that sounded like a heat sheild rattle. I had looked under the car over the weekend but could find nothing loose. The noise this morning was like that but much worse and it is coming from under the hood.

This could not have happend at a worse time i just got the clean Carfax on the car I was looking to trade up to but this is definately going to put a wrench in the mix. I would appreciate any help you guys may have on what I need to do at this point, and I will frequently check back if there is more I need to explain or can for that matter. I know this post is kinda long but I thank you for reading.

Thanks,

P.S. Times like this I wish I didn't live 800 miles from my father the Mechanic who always has an extra vehicle and seems to alway know what the problem is.

 

Doesn't sound good.
If the metal/metal sound happens with the clutch in as well, sounds like something in the drivetrain went. Tough to tell without hearing it. You need to isolate the noise - do a visual and have a friend turn it over while listening under the hood to find the source.
Not much more I can think to tell you.

 

I appreciate the reply I will try to get that done on my lunch hour.

 

Sorry but it sounds like a broken timing belt or chain and you bent some valves. Do not try starting the engine again and get it checked DAZ

 

Maybe DooLocsta is losing pressure in the clutch system. My slave cylinder went out last night and it sounds very similar. When I stopped at a light, I pushed the clutch in and held it to the floor. If I had left it in gear, the car would start pulling forward, as the system was losing pressure and the clutch was engaging... that slight engagement, especially if the car was in 3rd gear when at a dead stop, would cause a rattle as the engine strained to pull the car forward in such a high gear for 0 MPH.

This would also explain the grinding noise if the clutch were engaged, it wouldn't like being shifted from neutral to a gear unless everything was perfectly rev-matched.

DooLocsta didn't mention any strangeness with the clutch pedal (spongy or only lifting part-way), so I'm pretty sure I'm wrong.

If I'm right or way off base (very likely), it's still not safe to drive the car. Have it towed and checked by someone who knows what they are doing and can lay hands/eyes/ears on the car.

 

I agree with DAZ on this one. As a long time Honda owner/enthusiast, I can almost definately tell you that you probably have a broken timing belt or a broken camshaft. A broken cam would actually allow the engine to try to run on one-three cylinders, which would explain why the engine kept running until you pushed the clutch in, when a load was released from the engine. A Honda four-cylinder such as the H22 2.2L engine in your Prelude is what is called an 'interference' engine, meaning that the valves will hit the pistons if everything is not in correct timing, such as from the timing belt or camshaft breaking. At a low RPM like you describe, you could probably get away with a head rebuild, and possibly replacement of any damaged pistons, but you may not need new rods as well. Good luck in your repairs, and let me know if I can offer any more Honda-related advice .

 

This is starting to sound worse who do you guys recommend I have it towed to, I don't know if the dealer is the best option at this point. This sux the car is bone stock and always has been, I was going to trade it 3 months ago but had Pre-buyers remorse on an 02 MCS I sure wish i could go back to then and do the trade. Ohh well I will just have to suck it up and see where to go from here. Thanks for all the information guys I appreciate it.

 

Problem areas could be the harmonic balancer coming apart, the supercharger seizing, or the alternator or a/c compressor seizing, or the clutch. The alternator and compressor so far have proven to be fairly reliable, so these are unlikely. Also not very likely is a timing chain failure. History has told me the problem areas are the clutch, the 'charger or the balancer (crank pulley).

 

Thanks for all the help guys I think we got it narrowed down to the timing belt I am having it towed in and fixed tomorrow. Shame this is going to set me back on the MINI

Thanks again

 

You guys may or may not care but I thought that I would give the final update on what happened. I got a call from the Honda "Specialists" that are fixing the car, they let me know that the Tensioner on the belt is actually what caused the problem and caused the timing belt to jump. Long story short replacing the Tensioner, timing belt, waterpump, and all the seals the out the door cost is $920.00 OUCH. Good part is that it didn't screw up any of my valves. Well guys thanks for all your help pinpointing the problem.

 

Thanks for the wrap-up. It's always cool to know how a story ends.

The $920 was a big hit to your wallet, but it very easily could have been much, much worse. Congratulations (I think...).

 

$920 out the door is not bad for the pita work that is replacing a Prelude
t-belt. plus the fact that you didn't get any bent valves...

 

I realize now that I misread your original post. I thought you were having problems with the MINI. Note to self: Dont give out advice whilst reading NAM at work and constantly being interrupted.